Khewra Salt Mine: Journey into Pakistan’s Underground Crystal Palace
Deep beneath the rugged hills of the Salt Range in Punjab lies a wonderland carved not by nature alone, but by centuries of mining and human endeavor. The khewra salt mine, the world’s second-largest salt mine, is a subterranean marvel that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to witness its crystalline beauty . Located in the small town of Khewra, about 160 kilometers from both Islamabad and Lahore, this mine is far more than an industrial site—it is a destination where science, history, and tourism converge in spectacular fashion .
Walking through the tunnels of the khewra salt mine is like entering another world. The walls shimmer with hues of pink, red, and white, illuminated by strategic lighting that turns ordinary passages into scenes of ethereal beauty. Visitors ride a narrow-gauge railway deep into the mountain, emerging into vast chambers that house everything from a majestic mosque built entirely of salt bricks to a therapeutic asthma clinic where the very air is believed to heal . For anyone traveling through Punjab, the khewra salt mine offers an unforgettable experience that combines natural wonder with human ingenuity.
Understanding the Khewra Salt Mine Location
The khewra salt mine location places this geological treasure in the Jhelum District of Punjab, Pakistan, specifically within the Pind Dadan Khan Tehsil . The mine is situated in the heart of the Salt Range, a mineral-rich mountain system that extends approximately 200 kilometers from the Jhelum River in the east to the Indus River near Kalabagh in the west . This range rises from the Indus plain, creating a dramatic landscape that has fascinated geologists for centuries .
The exact khewra salt mine location is at coordinates 32°38′52.58″N 73°00′30.22″E, at an elevation of about 288 meters (945 feet) above sea level . The mine entrance leads approximately 730 meters (2,400 feet) into the mountain, with the underground workings covering a vast area of 110 square kilometers . The town of Khewra itself, sometimes called the “Kingdom of Salt,” has grown around the mine and is home to approximately 35,000 to 80,000 residents .
Accessing the khewra salt mine location is relatively straightforward thanks to Pakistan’s modern motorway network. The mine is about 160 kilometers from Islamabad and a similar distance from Lahore, with the journey taking approximately 2 to 3 hours via the M-2 Motorway . Visitors take the Lilla interchange and then follow the road towards Pind Dadan Khan for about 30 kilometers . The final approach winds through the scenic foothills of the Salt Range, offering glimpses of the rugged terrain that holds this underground treasure .
The Geological Marvel of Khewra Salt Mine Pakistan
To truly appreciate the khewra salt mine Pakistan is home to, one must understand its remarkable geology. The salt deposits at Khewra are part of the Salt Range Formation, which dates back to the Ediacaran to early Cambrian period, approximately 600 to 800 million years ago . These ancient evaporites were formed when a shallow sea evaporated, leaving behind thick layers of crystalline halite that were later buried, folded, and thrust upward by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates .
The khewra salt mine Pakistan boasts is excavated from a basal layer of crystalline halite intercalated with potash salts, overlain by gypsiferous marl and beds of gypsum and dolomite . The salt itself is remarkably pure, with a halite content of about 99 percent in its raw form . It contains trace elements including iron, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, and lead, which give the salt its characteristic pink, red, or off-white coloration . The iron content, in particular, is responsible for the beautiful rosy hues that make Khewra salt so visually distinctive .
The mine comprises nineteen stories, of which eleven are below ground level . The total length of its tunnels is about 40 kilometers, creating an underground labyrinth that has been carefully engineered for safety and efficiency . Miners use the room and pillar method, extracting only half the salt and leaving the remaining half as pillars to support the immense weight of the mountain above . This technique, introduced during the British era, ensures the stability of the khewra salt mine Pakistan continues to operate safely.
The Rich Tapestry of Khewra Salt Mine History
The khewra salt mine history is a fascinating narrative that spans more than two millennia, intertwining the fates of armies, empires, and engineers. According to legend, the salt reserves at Khewra were discovered around 326 BC by the troops of Alexander the Great during his Indian campaign . The story goes that Alexander’s horses were found licking the stones, revealing the presence of salt . Ailing horses in the army reportedly recovered after consuming the rock salt, marking the first recorded recognition of this valuable resource .
Mughal and Sikh Eras
The khewra salt mine history continues during the Mughal era, when the salt was traded commercially across the subcontinent and as far away as Central Asia . Mughal craftsmen began creating decorative items from the distinctive pink salt, establishing an artistic tradition that continues to this day . Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the mine came under Sikh control. Hari Singh Nalwa, the Sikh Commander-in-Chief, managed the salt range in partnership with Gulab Singh, Raja of Jammu, with the latter holding authority over Khewra specifically . During this period, the salt was used both for consumption and as a source of revenue .
British Development
The most transformative chapter in khewra salt mine history began in 1872, when the British, having taken control of the Sikh territories, undertook a comprehensive modernization of the mine . A mining engineer named H. Warth (sometimes referred to as Dr. H. Warth) developed the main tunnel at ground level and introduced systematic working methods . The British found the existing mining operations inefficient, with narrow, irregular tunnels that made movement difficult and dangerous . They addressed these problems by leveling access roads, building warehouses, improving water supply, and introducing better excavation mechanisms . Penalties were introduced to control salt smuggling, bringing order to the industry .
It was during this period that the mine came to be known as the Mayo Salt Mine, in honor of Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India who visited the site . The British also laid the 2-foot narrow gauge railway track that is still used today to transport salt and visitors through the tunnels .
Post-Independence Era
After Pakistan gained independence in 1947, the khewra salt mine initially came under the control of the Bhutta Mining Research (BMR) until 1956, then the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) until 1965 . Following the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965, the West Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (WPIDC) took over administration . Finally, in 1974, the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) assumed control of the mine, which remains the largest source of salt in the country . Today, the khewra salt mine produces more than 350,000 tons of salt per annum, and at current rates of extraction, the known reserves could last for another 350 years .
Exploring the Tourist Attractions
For visitors, the khewra salt mine is a destination of wonder and discovery. The mine attracts up to 250,000 tourists annually, making it one of Pakistan’s most visited geological sites . The journey begins with a ride on the Khewra Salt Mines Railway, the narrow-gauge electric train that carries visitors deep into the mountain along tracks first laid during the British era .
The Mosque and Architectural Marvels
One of the most stunning sights inside the khewra salt mine is the Badshahi Masjid, a beautiful mosque constructed entirely from colored salt bricks . Built about fifty years ago, this unique place of worship features intricate brickwork in shades of pink and red, demonstrating the versatility of salt as a building material . Nearby, visitors can admire a replica of Minar-e-Pakistan, also crafted from salt bricks, standing as a patriotic symbol deep within the earth .
Sheesh Mahal and Crystal Formations
The Sheesh Mahal, or “Palace of Mirrors,” is another highlight where the salt crystals are particularly light pink and translucent . When illuminated, these crystals glow with an ethereal light, creating the effect of a hall of mirrors. The accumulation of crystals that naturally form the name of Muhammad in Urdu script is considered a sacred sight by many visitors . Other artistic carvings include a statue of Allama Iqbal, a model of the Great Wall of China, and a replica of Mall Road, Murree .
Assembly Hall and Pul-Saraat
The Assembly Hall is a vast chamber within the khewra salt mine, measuring approximately 75 meters in height . This natural amphitheater within the mountain is used for gatherings and events. Pul-Saraat, a salt bridge with no pillars spanning a 25-meter-deep brine pond, offers an exciting walkway for adventurous visitors . The bridge’s name, meaning “the bridge over hell” in Islamic tradition, adds a touch of spiritual symbolism to the experience .
The Asthma Clinic
One of the most remarkable features of the khewra salt mine is the clinical ward established in 2007 with 20 beds for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases . This 10 million rupee facility offers salt therapy, or speleotherapy, based on the principle that the salt-infused air deep within the mine can help alleviate respiratory symptoms . The constant temperature of 18–20°C and the pure, mineral-rich atmosphere create a unique therapeutic environment that attracts patients from across Pakistan .
Practical Information for Visitors
Khewra Salt Mine Location and How to Reach
The khewra salt mine location in Punjab makes it accessible from major cities. From Lahore, the distance is approximately 260 kilometers via the M-2 Motorway . From Islamabad, the journey is about 160 kilometers, also via the M-2 . Visitors should take the Lilla interchange and then follow the road towards Pind Dadan Khan for approximately 30 kilometers . The mine is well-signposted, and local guides are available at the entrance.
Timings and Entry Fee
The khewra salt mine is open to visitors throughout the year, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily . Entry fees are nominal, with separate rates for Pakistani citizens and foreign tourists. The ticket includes the train ride into the mine and access to all major attractions within. It is advisable to check current rates with the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC) before visiting.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the khewra salt mine is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather in Punjab is pleasant for travel . Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures in the region often exceeding 40°C, making the journey uncomfortable. The mine itself maintains a constant temperature of 18–20°C year-round, providing a refreshing escape from summer heat, but the travel to and from the site is best undertaken in milder weather.
What to Wear and Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as visitors will be walking through tunnels and chambers. A light jacket or sweater is recommended, as the mine’s constant temperature can feel cool compared to the outside, especially in summer. Photography is permitted, so bring a camera to capture the stunning salt formations and illuminated chambers. Souvenir shops at the mine entrance and inside offer a variety of salt products, including lamps, candle holders, and edible salt.
Production and Economic Significance
The khewra salt mine is not merely a tourist attraction; it is a vital economic asset for Pakistan. With annual production exceeding 350,000 tons, the mine accounts for nearly half of Pakistan’s total production of rock salt . The salt is approximately 99% pure halite, making it suitable for a wide range of applications .
Khewra salt is used for cooking, as bath salt, and as brine in various industrial processes . A significant portion of the output supplies a soda ash plant established by AkzoNobel in 1940 . The salt is also exported to the United States, India, and many European countries, where it is prized for its distinctive pink color and mineral content .
The decorative industry surrounding the khewra salt mine has flourished, with artisans creating lamps, vases, ashtrays, and statues from the colorful salt . This tradition dates back to the Mughal era, when craftsmen first began shaping tableware and decorations from rock salt . Today, these products are sold in souvenir shops at the mine and exported worldwide, bringing the beauty of Khewra salt to international markets .
Estimates of the total salt reserves at Khewra vary widely, from 82 million tons to over 600 million tons . Even at the lower estimate, the mine has centuries of productive life remaining. The Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation continues to operate the mine, employing hundreds of workers and supporting the local economy of Khewra town .
The Salt Range and Surrounding Attractions
The khewra salt mine is part of the larger Salt Range, an area of great natural beauty covering approximately 2,500 square kilometers . This region is a geologist’s paradise, with a rich variety of minerals and rocks exposed by millennia of erosion and tectonic activity . The range extends from the Jhelum River to the Indus, offering numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Nearby attractions include the historic Katas Raj Temples, a complex of Hindu temples dating back to the 7th century, and the scenic Uchhali Lake, a saltwater lake that attracts migratory birds. The town of Khewra itself, with its population of salt miners and their families, offers a glimpse into the community that has grown around this remarkable resource.
Conclusion
The khewra salt mine stands as one of Pakistan’s most extraordinary natural and cultural treasures. From its ancient discovery by Alexander’s horses to its modern role as a world-class tourist destination, the mine has played a unique role in the region’s history. The khewra salt mine location in the Salt Range of Punjab places it within easy reach of Pakistan’s major cities, making it an accessible and rewarding destination for domestic and international tourists alike.
The khewra salt mine history encompasses Macedonian conquerors, Mughal emperors, Sikh rulers, British engineers, and independent Pakistan’s development efforts. Today, visitors can explore this underground wonderland, marvel at the Badshahi Masjid built entirely of salt, breathe the therapeutic air of the asthma clinic, and purchase beautiful salt crafts to remember their journey. With its constant cool temperature, stunning crystalline beauty, and profound historical significance, the khewra salt mine offers an experience found nowhere else on Earth.
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